The Big Picture: Creating technology with amphibious ambitions

The first practical hovercraft, the Saunders Roe SRN1, was designed by Sir Christopher Cockerell. The first trials took place 55 years ago to the week, near the Isle of White, UK. The Saunders Roe SRN1 experimental hovercraft above is shown floating on the Thames near Westminster. The new transport technology was so unusual at the time, the BBC reports it was often referred to as a "man-made flying saucer."